Resplendent Anthias – Male – Maldives

Pseudanthias pulcherimmus

Resplendent Anthias are brilliantly colored fish that create a stunning display, especially when kept in a harem. While they can thrive in groups of at least three, a harem of 6 or 9 offers the best environment. In these groups, one will often morph into a male, and for every 4 or 5 females, adding a male enhances the dynamic and visual appeal. Males actively protect the females, creating an engaging spectacle. Resplendent Anthias are a deep-water species and should be kept either in a dimly lit aquarium or provide plenty of rock aquascaped to create cracks, crevices and caves to rest in. Males are an orangish pink to purple color with pink pectoral fins while females are more orange with a yellow tail. Peaceful and reef-safe, Resplendent Anthias are an excellent addition to any aquarium. Ensure the aquarium has a tight-fitting lid, as they may jump when startled. With a high metabolism, these anthias require a varied diet of meaty foods—like mysis shrimp, squid, fish, clams, or specialized carnivore preparations—fed at least twice a day to maintain their health. They can grow up to 3.5 inches and need a minimum tank size of 100 gallons for a harem. Native to the Indian Ocean, Resplendent Anthias inhabit outer reef slopes at depths of up to 200 feet.